Fire Risk Assessment...Fire Risk Assessment – Macauley House Section 4 Means of Escape from Fire Significant Findings 1) The means of escape are protected to prevent the spread of

Macauley House

Glover Street, West Bromwich,

B70 6DY

Date Completed: 26th June 2017

Review Date: June 2019

Officer: A Thompson

Fires are the most destructive, disruptive and costly causes of damage to property, that also present

risks to the safety and lives of occupants and fire

fighters. It is therefore, important to ensure that

measures are put into place to prevent fire from

occurring.

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessment – Macauley House

Contents

Section 1 Contact Details

Section 2 Description of Premise

Section 3 Building Plan

Section 4 Means of Escape from Fire

Section 5 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Section 6 Emergency Lighting

Section 7 Compartmentation

Section 8 Fire Fighting Equipment

Section 9 Fire Signage

Section 10 Employee Training

Section 11 Sources of Ignition

Section 12 Waste Control

Section 13 Control and Supervision of Contractors and Visitors

Section 14 Arson Prevention

Section 15 Storage Arrangements

Section 16 Additional Control Measures; Fire Risk Assessment – Level 2 Action Plan

Appendix 1 Level 2 Action Plan

Appendix 2 Risk Rating of Block

Appendix 3 Significant Hazards on Site and Information to be provided for the Fire Service


Section

1 Contact Details

NOTE: Generic contact details for high-rise blocks are recorded in the separate ‘Guidance & Advice’ document. Specific contacts for Macauley House are as follows: Site Manager (Neighbourhood Office Manager) Liz Nembhard 0121 569 6134


Section

2 Description of Premise

Macauley House Glover Street West Bromwich B70 6DY Description of the Property The high rise block was constructed in 1964. The block consists of 9 storeys (inclusive of the ground floor). Each of the floors contains 4 number dwellings. The block has a main entrance to the front elevation and a further exit located on the rear elevation.

The fire fighters white box is located to the left hand side of the front main entrance. The location of service isolation points for gas, electricity and water are detailed on a plan located in the fire fighters white box.

There is one lift car that serves the floors but only goes to floor 7 as the lift motor room is located on the top floor.

The motor room is located on the 8th floor, access is obtained via a full height door from the communal landing, then two small vertical ladders provide access to a half height door out on to the roof. The communal areas are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The enforcing authority is West Midlands Fire Service.


High/Low Rise High Rise Number of Floors 9 Date of Construction 1964 Construction Type Wates Last Refurbished 2007 / 2008 External Cladding Partial to balconies and window

areas Number of Lifts 1 Number of Staircases 1 Automatic Smoke Ventilation to communal area

Yes

Fire Alarm System No Refuse Chute Yes Access to Roof Access via full height timber door

through lift motor room. A steel ladder to upper level leads to a half size door to roof void and a further metal ladder through a full height steel door then allows access onto the main roof.

Equipment on roof (e.g. mobile phone station etc)

No


Section

3 Building Plan

A typical floor layout showing horizontal lines of compartmentation is to be attached when available Awaiting plans


Section

4 Means of Escape from Fire

Significant Findings

1) The means of escape are protected to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

2) The communal landing / staircases are protected by use of FD30 fire doors with vision panels.

3) All communal doors are fitted with automatic closing devices that are checked on a regular basis by Janitorial Teams as part of their daily checks. Defective closing devices are replaced either by the Janitorial Team(s) or the in-house repairs team(s).

4) Automatic smoke ventilation is employed. This is tested, inspected and maintained by a competent procured contractor in accordance with BS7346. The frequency for the maintenance checks are twice per year (April and October) of each calendar year. Communal windows can only be opened utilising the automatic smoke ventilation system, with the exception of the chute room which has a bottom hinge window which can be opened without a key.

5) Communal areas are kept free of flammable items. The communal areas are checked on a daily basis by Janitorial / Cleaning teams 365 days per year and all items of rubbish are immediately removed. There is also an out of hour’s service that allows combustible items of furniture / rubbish to be removed.

6) Emergency lighting is provided to communal landings and stairs. Checks are done on a monthly basis by Sandwell MBC in house electrical team.

7) Dry riser cupboard doors are FD30s rated, kept locked / secured with type 54 suited mortice lock(s).


8) Electric meter cupboard doors are FD30s rated, secured with cylinder type suited locks. Residents have been provided with a key for access to their electricity meters.

9) The surface coatings to the communal areas are Class 0 rated.

10) The building has sufficient passive controls that provides effective compartmentation in order to support a Stay Put Policy Therefore residents are advised to remain in their flat unless the fire directly affects them.

11) Individual flat doors are FD30s rated

12) On the 7th floor, adjacent to flat 28 a motorised scooter was being stored and compromising the fire escape route

Section

5 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Significant Findings Early warning is limited to hard wire or battery smoke alarms within each of the resident’s flats. The equipment is subjected to a cyclical test.

1) There is no effective means for detecting an outbreak of fire to communal areas. The reason for this are: -

i) Such systems may get vandalised ii) False alarms would occur

2) A sprinkler system is provided to the refuse chute bin store. An

approved contractor maintains the system. The frequency for the maintenance checks are twice per year (April and October) of each calendar year.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems


Section

6 Emergency Lighting


1) The premise has a sufficient emergency / escapes lighting system in accordance with BS 5266 and test points strategically located.

2) The self-contained units are provided to the communal landings, stairs and lift motor room.

3) All installed equipment is checked and tested on a monthly basis

by Sandwell MBC in house electrical team, in accordance with current standards.

Section

7 Compartmentation

Significant Findings This section should be read in conjunction with Section 4

1) The premise has sufficient compartmentation to limit the travel and effect of smoke and flame in event of a fire.

2) All communal doors are fitted with automatic closing devices that are checked on a regular basis by Janitorial Teams as part of their daily checks. Defective closing devices are replaced either by the Janitorial Team(s) or the in-house repairs team(s).

3) All service cupboards to communal landings are lockable.

4) A variety of methods / materials have been used to achieve fire-

stopping including Rockwool, foam and Intumescent pillows.


5) Individual flat doors are FD30s rated of a composite construction.

6) The corridors / staircases are protected by use of FD30 fire doors with vision panels

7) Access panels to stop taps are fixed to masonry and bedded on Intumescent foam.

8) On the ground floor lobby, within the suspended ceiling area, it was noted redundant lighting equipment had been left in situ. It is not sure if any cables would compromise the compartmentation.

9) The external façade has aesthetic panels to balcony areas and around windows. The type of material is an aluminium composite material (ACM). The panels were tested by the BRE under guidance from Central Government. The panels are not compliant with the current Building Regulations.

Section

8 Fire Fighting Equipment


1) The dry riser inlet is located within the ground floor dry riser cupboard (twin valve) secured with a type 54 suited mortice lock

2) There is a dry riser that serves the building. The outlets are located on the landing on each floor. The outlet is contained within a dry riser cupboard with type 54 suited mortice lock(s) installed to keep them secure.

3) The dry riser is checked quarterly by Assistant Building Surveyors (Investment). Maintenance contracts in place to service the valves twice per year (April and October) with a hydraulic test undertaken annually (October) to comply with the requirements of BS9990.


4) Portable fire extinguisher (CO2) is provided to the lift motor room. Maintenance contracts in place for maintenance of the extinguisher. The frequency for the maintenance checks are once (October) of each calendar year.

Section

9 Fire Signage


1) All fire doors display “Fire Door Keep Shut” where appropriate.

2) Fire Action Notices are displayed throughout the building.

3) Yellow LPG sign displayed in lift.

4) Signage depicting the floor location of each flat is fitted to the ground floor lobby wall.

5) Floor indicator numbers are fitted to the wall opposite the lift car on each floor.

6) Floor indicator numbers are fitted to the wall of each floor on the communal staircase(s).

Section

10 Employee Training


1) All Janitorial / Cleaning Employees have undertaken fire safety

training. This includes use of bespoke ‘Fire Safety in High / Low Rise Flatted Accommodation’ Video.


2) All employees are encouraged to complete ‘In the line of fire’ training on an annual basis.

3) Janitorial Teams are not currently trained in the effective use of

fire extinguishers. The only extinguishers located within the lift motor room. Janitorial Teams are not expected to tackle fires in this area.

4) Investment Division Employees assigned to undertake Fire Safety Inspections / Risk Assessment have received training via West Midlands Fire Service.

Section

11 Sources of Ignition


1) Smoking is prohibited within any communal parts of the building. 2) Hot working is not normally carried out. If essential maintenance

requires the use of hot work processes, then corporate policies and procedures will be followed.

Section

12 Waste Control


1) There is a daily Cleaning Service to the premises.

2) Refuse containers emptied regularly.

3) Daily checks by Janitors minimise risk of waste accumulation.

4) ‘Out of Hours’ service in place to remove bulk items

5) Within the 6th floor electric cupboard there was combustible waste material


Section

13 Control and Supervision of Contractors and Visitors


1) Owing to the nature of High Rise flatted accommodation. It is difficult to manage / control individual contractors / utility companies. However, where employed as part of a refurbishment scheme, Urban Design will put control measures in place. Such Measures include: -

a) Pre Contract Meetings – where contractor is made aware of

all working arrangements and safe systems of work to be adopted. Issues covered in this meeting will include: - Health and Safety. - Site security. - Safety of working and impact on children/school business. - Fire risk, if any.

- Site Emergency Plan.

b) Monthly Site Meetings – in order to monitor, review and share any new information including any new risks.

c) Site monitored daily whilst work is in progress by Clerk of Works / Health and Safety Officers.

d) Final Contractor review on completion of works undertaken.

2) Responsive Repairs service delivered by Sandwell MBC

necessitates the production of an order via the computerised repairs system. Details of any known risks are documented on the repair order.

3) Hot works are not permitted unless authorisation is given via the approved officer. The hot works procedure is followed.

4) Utility companies are not allowed to access any service

cupboard or secure area. They have to request and collect maintenance keys from Investments office @ Roway Lane. This allows scrutiny of what is the scope of any works such as installation of tenants broadband / phone line etc.


Section

14 Arson Prevention


1) Daily Checks are undertaken by Janitorial / Cleaning Team(s) throughout the year which helps reduce the risk of arson.

2) Restricted access to the premise by means of a door entry system.

3) There is no current evidence of arson.

Section

15 Storage Arrangements


1) Residents instructed not to bring L.P.G cylinders into block. (Notice displayed in lifts)

2) No Flammable liquids stored on site by Janitors / cleaners.

3) All store cupboards are kept locked.

4) There are no flammable liquids or gas cylinders stored on site.


Section

16 Additional Control Measures; Fire Risk Assessment - Level 2 Action Plan

Significant Findings Risk Rating of Additional Control Measures

Section Ref No Action Required Risk

Rating

Means of Escape 04/12

On the 7th floor, adjacent to flat 28 a motorised scooter was compromising the fire escape route

5

Fire Detection and Alarm

05/ No risks identified

Emergency Lighting 06/ No risks identified

Compartmentation

07/8

On the ground floor lobby, within the suspended ceiling area, it was noted redundant lighting equipment had been left in situ. It is not sure if any cables would compromise the compartmentation.

2

07/9

The external façade has aesthetic panels to balcony areas and around windows. The type of material is an aluminium composite material (ACM). The panels were tested by the BRE under guidance from Central Government. The panels are not compliant with the current Building Regulations.

5


Section Ref No Action Required Risk

Rating

Fire Fighting Equipment


Fire Signage 09/ No risks identified

Employee Training 10/ No risks identified

Sources of Ignition 11/ No risks identified

Waste Control 12/5 Within the 6th floor electric cupboard there was combustible waste material

2

Control and Supervision of Contractors


Arson Prevention 14/ No risks identified

Storage 15/ No risks identified


Appendix 1

Fire Risk Assessment Level 2 Action Plan

Name of Premises or Location:

Macauley House

Date of Action Plan: 26th June 2017

Review Date: June 2019

Question/ Ref No

Required Action Timescale

and Person Responsible

Date Completed

04/12

Instruct tenant of flat 28 that the mobility scooter is not to be left on the communal area

27th June 2017

Housing Manager

4th July 2017

07/8 Ground floor lobby, Remove suspended ceiling tiles. Remove all redundant electric fittings and cabling and Fire stop all holes. Refit ceiling grid on completion

August 2017 Repairs

31/01/2018

07/9 Remove existing aesthetic panels from balconies and window areas

June 2017 Urban Design

January 2018

Design and install new panels that meet the requirements of the current building regulations in conjunction with above

TBC Urban Design

January 2018


12.5 Caretaking team to remove combustible material from 6th Floor electrical cupboard

27th June 2017

Caretakers

27th June 2017

Signed

Senior Manager Date:

Premise Manager Date: 26th June 2017


Appendix 2 Risk Rating of Block

Current Ranking

(out of 54) Block

Standard & Condition of existing

fire protection

to communal areas.

Standard &

Condition of existing

fire protection within flats

No of floors

Number of

Staircases

Security in the block

ASB & arson threat within block

Void Rates Risk Score No of

Flats

Number of voids over 12 months

Percentage flat to void

ratio

Weightings 5 4 1 4 3 5 2

15 Macauley House 2 2 2 5 1 5 1 70 36 1 2.8

NOTES FOR RISK ASSESSMENT SCORES These notes are for guidance when scoring for the level of risk associated with the above matrix. STANDARD AND CONDITION OF EXISTING FIRE PROTECTION TO COMMUNAL AREAS SCORE 1 The block received full renovation to the communal areas within the last 5 years and condition is known to be excellent. 2 The block received full renovation to the communal areas within the last 5 years but condition is known to be adequate. 3 The block received renovation to the communal areas within the last 10 years and condition is known to be reasonable. 4 The block received full renovation to the communal areas within the last 15 years but condition is known to be poor. 5 The block received renovation to the communal areas over 15 years ago but condition is known to be poor. STANDARD AND CONDITION OF EXISTING FIRE PROTECTION TO FLATS SCORE 1 Property received renovation in the last 5 years and fire protection works signed off. 2 Property received renovation in the last 5 years and fire protection works NOT signed off 3 Property renovated in the last 10 years. 4 Property renovated in the last 15 years. 5 Property not received renovation/fire works where possible issues could be apparent


NUMBER OF FLOORS SCORE 1 6 to 8 stories 2 9 to 11 stories 3 12 to 14 stories 4 15 to 17 stories 5 18 stories or more NUMBER OF STAIRCASES SCORE 1 Two staircases 2 No score 3 No score 4 No score 5 One staircase SECURITY IN THE BLOCK SCORE 1 Door entry with CCTV to concierge 2 No score 3 Door entry with CCTV to flats 4 No score 5 Door entry without CCTV ASB AND ARSON THREAT WITHIN THE BLOCK (local office and asset team involvement) SCORE 1 zero incidents in last 12 months 2 1 - 3 incidents in last 12 months 3 4 - 6 incidents in last 12 months 4 7 - 9 incidents in last 12 months 5 10+ incidents in last 12 months VOID RATES (Number of flats in block/number of voids over 12 month period) SCORE 1 0 - 10% 2 11 - 20% 3 21 - 30% 4 31 - 40% 5 41% +


Appendix 3

Significant Hazards on Site and Information to be provided for the Fire Service

Name of property: Macauley House Updated: 26th June 2017 Premise Manager: Anthony Thompson Tel. No.: 0121 569 2975

Hazard Location Information/Comments

Asbestos Various locations Asbestos has been labelled and Asbestos Survey undertaken and reports placed in motor room

Documents

Fire Risk Assessment...Fire Risk Assessment – Macauley House Section 4 Means of Escape from Fire Significant Findings 1) The means of escape are protected to prevent the spread of